Babies

Hello ladies! I am thinking about having WLS sometime in the next year. I have PCOS, but I am hoping that I will be able to have children more easily after I lose my weight. I was just wondering what you mothers out there had to do after WLS to have a healthy pregnancy. I know that I can have children after surgery, but I do not know how WLS changes pregnancy. Please give me all of the info you have and are willing to offer.  Thanks, Nikki

Nikki... Congrats on your decision for wls!! It's a huge one, isn't it??  I too have PCOS and while I have 3 children, I did have trouble with fertility.  I had WLS in December and ended up getting pregnant 6 1/2 months after surgery.  Not ideal by any means, but it happened.  So far the only difficulties I've had is morning (actually all day) sickness, though I'm not vomitting...just sooooo nauseated, and being super tired.  I've been told in order to have a healthy pregnancy I must take my vitamins religiously, eat healthily, make sure I at least walk, and definitely get my prenatal care.  My surgeon is also requiring that I come in every 2 months to check my blood work, which I'm thankful for.  I'd be more than happy to keep you updated on how things are going since I'm only 13ish weeks along.  Feel free to pm me anytime.

Shawneena, Congratulations on the baby! Thanks for the info. I am just very curious about how WLS will change my life and future plans. I would love to stay in touch just to hear how you are doing and anything that you may encounter. I will pray for you and the baby. Nikki

Getting pregnant is the #1 reason I had the surgery beginning of August.  DH and I have used no birth control and did a 3 month cycle of Clomid and no pregnancies. Both my endocrinologist and my WLS doc agree that I should be able to get pregnant a lot easier after the surgery.. in fact, some people become more fertile.  :-)

"in fact, some people become more fertile" Yes...yes they do. LOL I concieved 6 1/2 months post op and we were using birth control methodS. Next week I have an ultrasound to check for twins. So yes, VERY fertile. LOL!

TWINS?!?? WOW!! I've heard quite a few stories of BC pills not working because there's so much estrogen being released.

No BC pills here. Condoms and spermacide. Apparently NOT too effective for me. And WOW is DEFINITELY what I said! LOL!!

We've also been using condoms along with monitoring my cycle on fertility friend.. I'm a bit concerned because I'm almost 2 wks late and do not want to be pregnant right now.  GRRR. I've always been pretty regular.. so I'm concerned. 

Oh yes...getting pregnant with PCOS after WLS is much easier!  I tried for 8+ years to get prego before I had surgery.  At 16m post op we went without protection...and boom...got prego.  So it does happen!  As for having a healthy pregnancy...I ate more frequently to get in more calories, doubled my prenatal vitamin and also took a super b complex.  I didn't have to supplement my calcium because I ate (and still do) a LOT of cheese.  I gained 30lbs with my pregnancy & my daugher was born perfectly healthy coming into the world at 6lb 3oz.  She's 14m now and healthy as can be!  I also breastfed her for the first 3 months.  I think it plays a big role in that she's only had 1 minor cold since she was born. Good luck & feel free to ask questions! Kristy